alphanumeric

adjective

al·​pha·​nu·​mer·​ic ˌal-fə-nu̇-ˈmer-ik How to pronounce alphanumeric (audio)
-nyu̇-
variants or less commonly alphanumerical
1
: consisting of both letters and numbers and often other symbols (such as punctuation marks and mathematical symbols)
an alphanumeric code
also : being a character in an alphanumeric system
2
: capable of using or displaying alphanumeric characters
alphanumerically adverb
alphanumerics plural noun

Did you know?

Alphanumeric passwords are much harder for a hacker to crack than plain alphabetic passwords, since the number of possible combinations is so much greater. License plates usually contain both letters and numbers, since, for a big state or country, the plate wouldn't be large enough to fit enough numbers for everyone. In computing, the standard alphanumeric codes, such as ASCII, may contain not only ordinary letters and numerals but also punctuation marks and math symbols.

Examples of alphanumeric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Custodians play a key role in the crypto market, helping clients safeguard private keys, which are the alphanumeric codes required to unlock access to digital assets and authorize transactions. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2024 The Taiwanese company began operations in 1995 and sells alphanumeric pagers as well as the kind of beepers that alert customers in restaurants that their order is ready. Greg McKenna, Fortune Asia, 18 Sep. 2024 American passport numbers were previously nine digits, but since the State Department began issuing the Next Generation Passport in 2021, passport numbers are alphanumeric codes that begin with a single letter and end with a string of eight digits. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2024 The new recovery codes option for both individual and family accounts adds a backstop to the secret key: a lengthy, randomized alphanumeric code. Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for alphanumeric 

Word History

Etymology

alphabetic + numeric, numerical

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alphanumeric was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near alphanumeric

Cite this Entry

“Alphanumeric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphanumeric. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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